Kentucky defensive ace DeAndre Liggins has decided to forgo his senior season and remain in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Liggins (6-6, 202) was a surprise early entry to the NBA after averaging only 8.6 points and 4.0 rebounds last season, but he did shoot 39.1 percent from 3-point range.

DeAndre Liggins' main attribute is his ability to guard multiple positions. (AP Photo)

Still, Liggins' impact on games is tough to quantify because his best asset is his defensive work. Liggins was one of the most impressive players at a recent workout in New Jersey, according to ESPN. That likely cemented his decision to jump to the NBA.

“(Wildcats) coach (John Calipari) encouraged me to come back for my senior season, but based on the feedback I got from NBA personnel, I felt it was in the best interests of me and family to stay in the draft,” Liggins said in a statement.

Calipari gave his blessing despite an apparent difference of opinion.

“I feel comfortable that DeAndre had all the info that he needed to make this decision,” Calipari said in the statement. “I fully support what he’s doing and I will do everything I can to help him reach his dreams.”

Liggins has impressed some NBA scouts with his exceptional defensive ability. At least one franchise compared his pro potential to that of Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen, who has helped lead that team into the playoffs with his defensive skills.

“(Allen) has transformed the Grizzlies,” Calipari, who was coaching the University of Memphis when the NBA moved to town in 2001, told Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy last month. “Everybody is looking at DeAndre Liggins, that he could guard multiple positions. He’s athletic, tough, comes up with balls -- all the stuff they want in that position."

Liggins is the second Kentucky player to leave early for the draft this spring, joining point guard Brandon Knight. Power forward Terrence Jones, however, announced Saturday that he would return to school for his sophomore season.